Stormont publishes joint action plan to help children whose parents are separating

By Q Radio News

Stormont's Justice and Health Ministers have teamed up to help children whose parents are in the process of separating. 

They have published a joint action plan which seeks to promote early resolution of conflict among parents who do not live together and help identify the tools needed to reduce the impact on young people caught in the middle.

The Private Family Law Early Resolution Action Plan also recognises the impact uncertainty and conflict can have on children’s wellbeing.

Speaking following the launch of the plan, Justice Minister Naomi Long said, “All too often sensitive and emotional issues relating to the care of children are resolved in the adversarial court environment when they could be resolved more simply and consensually outside it.

“Some parents do need the support of the courts to settle issues relating to their children but for most there is another way and we want to support them to reach early consensual agreements to ensure the best possible outcomes for their families.

"The Action Plan aims to ensure that is achieved. It also aims to ensure the best possible outcomes by supporting the early resolution of disputes which do come before the courts.”

🎥 @healthdpt and @Justice_NI have brought forward a joint action plan to protect children whose parents are going through a separation or divorce.

Minister @naomi_long says it will equip adults with the tools needed to resolve conflict early and reduce the impact on kids. pic.twitter.com/AYO6mS0sQX

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) August 6, 2021

Justice Minister Naomi Long

Minister Swann said “A secure family environment, certainty, low parental conflict and having a positive relationship with both parents can play a significant part in ensuring the wellbeing of children and young people.

"The Action Plan we are launching today aims to support parents to make arrangements which take account of the needs and wishes of their children as early as possible to minimise the impact conflict and disruption can have on children’s long term outcomes.”

Health Minister Robin Swann 

Initial steps under the Action Plan will include building evidence on alternative dispute resolution in family cases, developing information and tools to improve children’s understanding of how and why decisions are reached for them and to enhance parents understanding of options for resolving issues relating to the care of their children. 

A video explaining the benefits of reaching decisions outside court has already been produced and is available at https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/attending-family-courts

The Action Plan is available at https://www.justice-ni.gov.uk/publications/private-family-law-early-resolution-action-plan